Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for immediate action to tackle the environmental and security challenges posed by the shrinking of the Lake Chad Basin. The statement was made on Friday, during the closing of the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri.
Ganduje, who has previously served as the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), underscored the critical need to focus on the environmental issues affecting the basin. He pointed out the ongoing threats to the region’s ecosystem and the people who depend on the lake for their livelihoods.
He reminded attendees of the vision shared by the founders of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, which included notable figures like Davao Baleo of Nigeria, Ahmed Ahijo of Cameroon, Amani Diori of Niger, and Tamba Lubai of Chad. These leaders had set out to address the shrinking of Lake Chad, emphasizing the importance of inter-basin water transfer to restore the lake’s water levels.
While recognizing the importance of security efforts to combat groups like Boko Haram, Ganduje noted that environmental concerns should not be overlooked. He stressed that efforts to recharge the lake through the inter-basin water transfer project remain crucial. This initiative involves transferring water from the Mbange River in Cameroon into Lake Chad, a plan that, though vital, has faced considerable funding challenges.
“While we focus on the security threats posed by Boko Haram and other groups, we must not forget the importance of recharging Lake Chad,” Ganduje remarked.
The chairman also proposed exploring other potential sources of water for the lake, including transferring water from Nigeria’s River Benue, River Bongola, and River Katuna. He noted that such efforts would form part of a broader strategy to restore the lake and ensure a sustainable future for the region.
In his closing remarks, Ganduje expressed appreciation to the host city, Maiduguri, as well as all partners involved in the forum. He specifically thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international contributors from the German, UK, Swedish, and Netherlands governments for their financial support in implementing stabilization strategies for the region.
“I declare this conference closed,” Ganduje said, signaling the end of the forum but leaving delegates with a renewed sense of urgency about addressing both the security and environmental challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin.
